page_title: Beaver Island (Lake Michigan)
section_title: Economy
hierarchical_section_title: Beaver Island (Lake Michigan) / Economy
caption_attribution_description: English: Photo of Iron Ore Bay in southern Beaver Island, facing south, with North Fox Island visible on the horizon. Deutsch: Foto der Iron Ore Bay im Süden von Beaver Island Richtung Süden. Die North Fox Islands sind am Horizont sichtbar.
context_page_description: Beaver Island is an island in Lake Michigan in the U.S. state of Michigan. At 55.8 sq mi, it is the largest island in Lake Michigan and the third largest island in Michigan after Isle Royale and Drummond Island. The island is located approximately 32 miles from the city of Charlevoix. Beaver Island had a total population of 657 at the 2010 census.
  In 1856, it was home to a unique American religious colony, a theocratic monarchy ruled by the self-appointed "King Strang", who was the leader of the Strangite Mormon Church. Irish American immigrants later settled in the island, and it has remained a popular vacation and tourist destination. Portions of the island and surrounding archipelago are protected as part of the Beaver Islands State Wildlife Research Area.
context_section_description: Historically, the primary industries in the island are fishing, logging and farming. Presently the economy centers in governmental services, tourism and residential and cottage construction. Recreational opportunities abound in the insular harbor, beaches, inland lakes and the state forest that includes much of the island. A golf course, nature trails, restaurants, hotels, a marina and other amenities are available.
  The island describes itself as "America's Emerald Isle" in allusion to the Irish ancestry of many of its residents.
  Central Michigan University owns and operates a research facility in the island, denominated the "CMU Biological Station". The station hosts classes and workshops for students and researchers. CMU also owns a former Coast Guard Boathouse on Whiskey Point in the northern part of the island and part of Miller's Marsh.
caption: Iron Ore Bay on the southern part of Beaver Island. North Fox Island is visible on the horizon.
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